Biology Relevant Links Page

General links that relate to the course as a whole

Errata for the First Printing of this book. (Updated 06/08/06) You need the Acrobat Reader to view this Errata for the Second Printing of this book. (Updated 06/08/06) You need the Acrobat Reader to view this Careers in Biology 1 This is a general discussion of careers in biology. Careers in Biology 2 This has links to specific career choices for biologists.

Links for Module #1

Interesting Links for Module #1 The American Donkey and Mule Society All life forms reproduce. What about mules? Mules do reproduce cells and, although rare, have the potential to reproduce sexually. This page provides information on mules and mule reproduction statistics. Rabies Virions are not living matter because they have no machinery to reproduce on their own and cannot extract energy from their environment. Viruses must inhabit a host cell to live. The disease Rabies is caused by a virus. In this electron micrograph of a brain cell (64,000x magnification), the "bullet" shapes surrounding the smooth gray circle are rabies viruses. The circle itself is the Negri body, which is a cellular structure that indicates a rabies infection. Euglena video clips Living things must sense their environment and respond to it. Euglena is a single-celled microscope organism that has an interesting way of sensing its environment. Euglena uses an eye-spot -- a light sensitive organelle -- to detect light. This site provides video clips of Euglena responding to its environment and reproducing. The Best of SOHO Images and Video Metabolism begins with the sun. The sun releases energy in the form of photons which travel to earth at the speed of 300,000,000 meters/sec or 6 trillion miles in one year (one light year). This web site provides the latest images from SOHO, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. The lion that wouldn't eat meat Not all carnivores are carnivores. This little article demonstrates that even a lion can be an herbivore. References Genesis 1:30 "And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so." Electron Microscope Fungi Images Fungi are heterotrophic in that they cannot produce their own food but under the classification scheme in your book they have a separate division under heterotrophs. Remember the two divisions of heterotrophic organisms are (1) consumers and (2) decomposers. Fungi fall into the latter. (There is a better word for them which we will learn in module 2. They are called saprophytes.) Nerve cell images provides a terrific pictorial of the nervous system at a cellular level. On a cellular level, human cells do reproduce asexually. The cells of your body are constantly reproducing themselves. In fact your whole body, with the exception of your brain, is regenerated in about one year's time. Nerve cells are the exception. They are very slow to reproduce if they do at all. That is why it is so important you protect your brain cells. You literally have a limited number of these! DON'T DO DRUGS. Ignaz Semmelweis noticed that his patients were dying at a rate which far exceeded the death rate of other patients on other wards in the hospital. Additionally, he notice that the doctors that visited his ward came to visit after doing autopsies and visited living patients without washing their hands after doing autopsies. This web site gives some wonderful background on Semmelweis. Aristotle observed that if one left meat out in the open and allowed it to decay, maggots would appear on the meat within a few days. This web site provides information on the Aristotle's life and his times. Jean Baptiste Van Helmont performed an experiment in which he placed a sweaty shirt and some grains of wheat in a closed wooden box. Every time he performed the experiment, he found at least one mouse gnawing out of the box within 21 days. This web site gives images of the famous French scientist. Francesco Redi performed experiments in which he put several different types of meat in sealed jars and allowed the meat to decay. No maggots appeared on the meat. He claimed that this showed that maggots appear on meat not because they are formed by the meat, but instead because they get onto the meat. This site gives excellent historical information on Redi. Louis Pasteur is a student created web site about the famous scientist. Very good historical information. Science Fair Central is a site devoted to science fair projects. The page on biology deals with setting up an experiment using the scientific method. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #1 Images of cheek cells If you are having trouble finding your cheek cells in Experiment 1.2, click on the link above and scroll down to Part II, letter D. There are four images of cheek cells: 40x, 100x, 400x, and 1000x. Introduction to DNA Structure is an excellent tutorial web site on the structure of DNA. Provides detailed graphics on the structure of DNA backbone, nucleotide configuration, and the overall structure of the DNA molecule. DNA Structure Tutorial is a web site which takes the student from basic backbone chemistry through nucleotide sequencing in an interactive sequence. I use this one on my classes. Very well done. DNA Interactive is a web site devoted to tracing the history of DNA discovery and increasing student understanding of the structure and function of DNA. The site is extremely interactive. Great site for the visual learner. Producers is an online graphic lecture on photosynthesis and the process that producers go through to make their own food. NatureWorks is a site which explains the various kinds of decomposers and how they work together to maintain the biosphere we call Earth. Asexual reproduction is reproduction accomplished by a single organism. This page details the different ways that this can be accomplished. Sexual reproduction is the production of new individuals following the mixing in a single cell of the genes of two different cells, usually gametes and usually from different parents. [in humans] [in angiosperms] [in gymnosperms] [in mosses] [in ferns] [in bacteria] [in Paramecium] Mutation In the living cell, DNA undergoes frequent chemical change, especially when it is being replicated (in S phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle). Most of these changes are quickly repaired. Those that are not result in a mutation. This page shows the process and end result of mutation. Scientific Method This intermediate level guide contains information from Experimental Science Projects: An Introductory Level Guide. Additional material has been added to help distinguish between different types of scientific studies. More details are also given about the experimental scientific method, and the steps involved. Several new sections have been added, most notably one that introduces experimental errors. As you read about the various steps, you may want to follow along with an example science project. Abiogenesis says that long ago, very simple life forms spontaneously appeared through random chemical reactions. Spontaneous generation says "life from non-living matter." Both deal with life coming from non-living substances. This site provides a terrific comparison between the idea and fact. Cells Alive provides a wonderful set of illustrations outlining the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Included are images of the three cell types: bacterial, plant, and animal cells. Taxonomy is a hierarchical system for classifying and identifying organisms. This system was developed by Swedish scientist Carolus Linnaeus in the 18th century. Linnaeus's taxonomy system has two main features that contribute to its ease of use in naming and grouping organisms. This site discusses those two main features and explains how the system works. Species Accounts provides images of creatures that will help with Experiment 1.1 classification. Classification Key Interactive Lab is a web based interactive lab which walks the students through using a biological key. FreeDictionary.com provides an excellent overview of classification the history behind the system. The American Zoo Online is a pictorial site which is set up like an encyclopedia of animals. Great help for the classification lab. Biological classification is the arrangement of organisms into categories that express their PHYLOGENY, or line of descent, based on information such as structure, development, biochemical or physiological functions, and evolutionary history of organisms. The purpose of such a classification is to provide a clear and practical way to organize and communicate information about organisms. This site details the history and structure of the system. Biology I Classroom is an online learning environment. The site is written from an evolutionary point of view. The site does give great background into classification as well as other topics in biology from a classroom instructional perspective. There is even a quiz to take after the reading is completed. Dichotomous Keys is a page devoted to helping the student learn how to use biological keys. The page starts out with simple examples from the kitchen and progresses into a more complex biological model. Advanced topics related to Module #1 Cellular Metabolism and Fermentation Metabolism is the process by which a living organism takes energy from its surroundings and uses it to sustain itself, develop, and grow. This web page provides an advanced look at metabolism, cellular energy production, and the cellular respiration processes. Anabolism is the sum total of all processes in an organism which use energy and simple chemical building bloks to produce large chemicals and structures necessary for life. This web page provides a very detailed, university-level, explanation of the process. Catabolism is the total of all processes in an organism which break down chemicals to produce energy and simple chemical building blocks. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, some bacteria, and some protistans use the energy from sunlight to produce sugar, which cellular respiration converts into ATP, the "fuel" used by all living things. The conversion of unusable sunlight energy into usable chemical energy, is associated with the actions of the green pigment chlorophyll. Most of the time, the photosynthetic process uses water and releases the oxygen that we absolutely must have to stay alive. This page provides a detailed explanation of the process from a biochemical point of view. Trophic Levels lecture is an eleven side college presentation on how producers and consumers interrelate. Neuroreceptors - How They Work is a wonderful web page that explains the types of receptors found in human skin and how these receptor work. I use this one for my classes. It is great! The Age of Cloning Cloning is not creating life. The cell that was used to make the animal was already living; hence, what scientists are doing are simulating a cell to do what God already designed it to do. Science has it limitations. It can only take what God did and try to imitate it. Neptune images The discovery of Neptune is excellent example of the scientific method in use. Scientists had noticed that the planet Uranus did not orbit around the sun exactly as Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation predicted. French scientist Urbain Jean Joseph Leverrier assumed that this was because a previously undiscovered planet was interfering with Uranus' movement. He made some calculations using Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation and determined where this undiscovered planet had to be in order for Uranus's motion to be consistent with Netwon's law. German scientist Johann Gottfried Galle used a telescope to look in the sky at the position that Leverrier predicted, and he saw the planet on the very first night of the search! The planet was named Neptune. Domain Eukarya site is written from an old earth/evolutionary point of view. The Domain Eukarya includes all of the organisms with eukaryotic cells. Site does provide a good look at what evolution says is the organization of four of the five kingdoms. Terrestrial Life Overview gives an impressive look at the five kingdoms through images. It provides this information displayed in three formats: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. 5 Kingdoms of Life page givens multiple links to different resources on classification and activities for students to investigate classification. Major Groups of Prokaryotes is a university-level web site discussing classification within Kingdom Monera. The World of Microbes is an online microbiology textbook which is highly informational regarding Kingdom Monera.

Links for Module #2

Interesting links related to Module #2 Foodborne Illness: Ten Least Wanted Foodborne Pathogens The U.S. Public Health Service has identified ten microorganisms as being the biggest culprits of foodborne illness, either because of the severity of the sickness or the number of cases of illness they cause. Beware of these pathogens! Saprophyte A saprophyte is something that lives in decaying organic matter, obtaining its food or other nourishment. This wonderful little painting shows a shelf fungi growing on a birch tree. Chemosynthesis Autotrophic organisms manufacture they own food by one of two methods: photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. This little article and its supporting links provides a very good look into the process of chemosynthesis. Contains evolutionary content. Anton van Leeuwenhoek 1675. Leeuwenhoek succeeded in making some of the most important discoveries in the history of biology. It was he who discovered bacteria, free-living and parasitic microscopic protists, sperm cells, blood cells, microscopic nematodes and rotifers, and much more. His researches, which were widely circulated, opened up an entire world of microscopic life to the awareness of scientists. Tillamook Cheese Dairy Are all bacteria harmful? No.Some are very useful. Bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus help us make cheese. Cheese isn't the only thing that we use bacteria to help us make, however. Some bacteria are used in the making of sauerkraut, vinegar, butter, and buttermilk. There are bacteria in your colon that help synthesize B vitamins and vitamin K which your body uses to stay healthy. This site is an interactive tour of a large cheese dairy. King Tut's Tomb When conditions become too harsh for its survival, a bacterium will form an endospore and go dormant. An endospore contains the DNA of the bacterium encased in several hard layers. When growth conditions are right, the DNA of the bacterium in the endospore will multiply again. How long can the endospore lay dormant? One of the most interesting recoveries of dormant bacterial endospores occurred when King Tut's tomb was open. Viable bacterial endospores, which had been buried for 3000 years, were recovered from Tut's tomb. This page is an interactive tour of King Tut's tomb. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #2 About.com: What are Bacteria? Very interesting article which describes bacterial size, shape, arrangement, and consumption. Bacterium Online encyclopedia page.Great summary page into bacterial investigation. Has multiple links to various topic pages regarding bacteria.Contains evolutionary content. The Prokaryotic Cell Wonderful interactive page on bacterial cell structure. Page contrasts and compares the differences between bacterial, plant, and animal cell types. Major Groups of Prokaryotes Contains evolutionary content.Interesting page with multiple links that show microscopic images of kings of bacterial cells, colony structures, and Gram stain reactions. Contains evolutionary contain. The Amazing Cell - evidence for creation and against evolution Flagellum is like a propeller which never breaks down and which is incredibly efficient. Bacterium movement from one place to another is accomplished by this unique structure. Even though they are simple, there is still a vast amount scientists do not know about them. They also provide a tremendous problem for the evolutionists. This page discusses the workings of flagella and the evolutionary problems it presents. The Bacterial Flagellum This is a more detailed discussion of how intricately designed the bacterial flagellum is. The drawings are really quite amazing. You can see a 34-minute video discussing how Japanese scientists figured all of this out by clicking here. Bacteria Grow and Multiply Bacteria are all around us. Given good growing conditions, a bacterium grows slightly in size or length, a new cell wall grows through the center forming two daughter cells, each with the same genetic material as the parent cell. If the environment is optimum, the two daughter cells may divide into four in 20 minutes. This page details this process and the conditions necessary for optimum bacterial growth. Bacterial Conjugation This is an animation of how bacteria conjugate. Transformation in Bacteria Outstanding animation of how transformation occurs. If you are confused by the process, this little page will clear things up for you. Endospore formation Animation which use Shockwave media to demonstrate how Endospore formation occurs. Requires download of program to run presentation. Gram stain technique Hans Christian Gram was a Danish physician. In order to make bacteria show up better under a microscope, he developed several different types of stains, one of which was the Gram-stain. Gram-positive bacteria are blue following the Gram stain procedure and Gram-negative bacteria are red after Gram staining is accomplished. The difference in reaction to Gram stain is caused by differences in the cell walls of the bacteria. This web page is an interactive look at the Gram staining technique. There is also an awesome quiz on the site which has the student identify and name bacteria. Biosphere 2 This is the offical website of Biosphere 2. Microbiology Video Library Tremendously powerful tool for studying the microbial world. I particularly like what Microbiology Today, August 2002, had to say about this site: "Particularly impressive are the wide variety of easily downloaded high quality images and short QuickTime movies. These may be particularly useful for staff to use for PowerPoint lectures and for student presentations ... a useful source of information for both staff and students" Contains evolutionary content. Pond Life Basics Wonderful little page which is of great help for Experiment 2.1. Page provides multiple links to other helpful sites which advances the usefulness of this site to Module 3. Advanced topics related to Module #2 Micrographia: a light microscope resource The creatures in these galleries are the smallest inhabitants of freshwater ponds, lakes and streams. They have mostly been photographed on color transparency film using electronic flash, which stops their motion and captures their natural colors. More recently added images have been shot using a Kodak DC4800 digital camera. Excellent resource for Experiment 2.1.Contains evolutionary contain. Fermentation and Anaerobic Respiration If oxygen is absent, many cells are still able to use glycolysis to produce ATP. Two ways this can be done are through fermentation and anaerobic respiration. This page details this amazing process. Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration This is an interactive, animated exploration page covering cellular respiration. Included are discussions of the electron transport system, aerobic and anaerobic electron acceptors, and ATP synthase and the proton gradient. The Microbial World Want to see what the bacteria growing in your mouth looks like? This page takes an advanced look at bacterial colony morphology, Gram stain reactions, and cell wall structure of the common oral bacterium. The Pathogenic Clostridia Most of the clostridia are saprophytes but a few are pathogenic for humans. Those that are pathogens have primarily a saprophytic existence in nature and, in a sense, are opportunistic pathogens. Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum produce the most potent biological toxins known to affect humans. As pathogens of tetanus and food-borne botulism, they owe their virulence almost entirely to their toxigenicity. Other clostridia, however, are highly invasive under certain circumstances. This page details the effect of this pathogen group. About Myxococcus xanthus Myxococcus xanthus is a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium. Under starvation conditions, it undergoes a magnificent developmental process in which roughly 100,000 individual cells aggregate to form a structure called the fruiting body over the course of several hours. This page provides outstanding black and white pictures and video of this process. The Cell Cycle Site is a 42 frame, college-level, lecture series on cell division which details bacterial cell reproduction on slides 006 - 008. Contains evolutionary content. Bacterial Cybernetics Group "Simple" bacteria, coping with adverse growth conditions, show unexpected sophistication. When examined closely, this behavior is much more impressive. It seems as if the bacterial colony can not only compute better then the best parallel computers we have, but can also think and even be creative. Site contains evolutionary content. Endospores and Endospore Staining Advanced look at how scientists stain and study endospores. Site goes into great detail about construction of the endospore's protective coating.

Links for Module #3

Interesting links related to Module #3 Termite Gut Symbionts The idea of species helping each other is contradictory to Darwin's idea of the "struggle to survive." Also, although some of the simpler forms of symbiosis can be explained in an evolutionary framework, most cannot. Consider, for example, Trichonympha. It lives in the gut of the termite, allowing the termite to digest cellulose. Without it, the termite could not eat wood. How, then, did the termite evolve? It would have to evolve WITH Trichonympha already in its gut. There is no way to imagine how that happened via an evolutionary framework. How to collect Microscopic Pond Life This page contains tips for collecting, keeping, and culturing micro-organisms Cellulose Chemical Structure Cellulose is found in plants and protists as microfibrils (2-20 nm diameter and 100 - 40 000 nm long). These form the structurally strong framework in the cell walls of these organisms. Commercial cellulose is mostly prepared from wood pulp. Cellulose is use photographic film, fine papers, and disposable baby diaper applications. Silicon Dioxide Phylum Chrysophyta has silicon dioxide as an element in its cell wall. Quartz (silicon dioxide) is the most common mineral on the face of the Earth. It is found in nearly every geological environment and is at least a component of almost every rock type. It frequently is the primary mineral, > 98%. It is also the most varied in terms of varieties, colors and forms. This page has an awesome display of natural occurring quartz crystals. Chloroplasts -- The Virtual Cell Provides the student with an interactive web-based look at cell structure. Students can "dissolve" the plasma membrane and see what is inside the chloroplast. Contains evolutionary content. Zooplankton Collage This page is for students who are new to zooplankton. The site is a collage of images from each representative genus. Clicking on an image will take the student directly to that genus page. Contains evolutionary content. DiatomiteUSA Manufacturers reference page for diatomite.List the benefits and uses of this material. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #3 Pond Life Identification Kit The table and linked pages on this web site are a guide to identifying some common groups of smaller freshwater organisms (microscopic to a few millimeters in size). The beginner may also like to explore the virtual pond dip; which allows the student to click on the creatures in a jar to learn about some of the more common freshwater organisms. Contains evolutionary content. Collecting Water Samples and Preparing Nutrient Rich Solutions Microscopic life can be found in ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, ocean backwater estuaries, and, surprisingly, rain puddles that have been in existence for a few days. Water samples can easily be collected using wide-mouth glass jars with tight-fitting lids. The collection jars you use should be completely clean and detergent free. A great place to find protozoan and tiny water animals is in a fresh water fish tank. This page is a great resource for those of you struggling with pond water cultures! Making a Hay Infusion A hay infusion is a culture made from water collected from a pond, lake, stream, or puddles. This page details the process of make good pond cultures. Animal Cell Structure This page provides an interactive comparison between the three basic cell types. Eukaryotic cells (animal cell and plant cell types) have distinct, membrane-bound organelles whereas prokaryotic cells (bacterial cell) do not. This fact adds a level of complexity to the organisms in kingdom Protista that doesn't exist in kingdom Monera. Phylum Sarcodina The most striking feature of the organisms in this phylum is that they have no standard body shape. They are enclosed in a flexible plasma membrane which allows them to change shape at will. When resting, they are usually spherical. However, when they wish to move, they form extensions of their bodies called pseudopods or "false feet." This page provides some great microscopic images of amoeba. Endoplasm and Ectoplasm This page provides super images of amoeba which have been stained so that the different cytoplasms can be viewed. Phylum Mastigophora Another name for the members of Phylum Mastigophora is flagellate. A flagellate is a protozoan that propels itself with a flagellum. Page gives some great microscopic images and a wonderful discussion of the Euglena, a photosynthetic animal cell. Phylum Ciliophora Ciliates can be quite large (for a protozoan), with some species attaining lengths of three millimeters (about one-ninth of an inch). They vary in shape, ranging from cone-shaped to bell-shaped to foot-shaped. Members of this phylum mostly live in fresh water, preferring stagnant lakes and ponds. This page provides a great discussion of ciliate movement and awesome microscopic images of the diversity of this phylum. Paramecium Anatomy Detailed set of microscopic images showing the internal structure of the Paramecium is presented. Paramecium Conjugation This slide shows a number of Paramecium engaged in various stages of a type of sexual reproduction called conjugation. Plasmodium Life Cycle When a female mosquito bites an infected human, she becomes infected. When she bites another human, she injects the parasite into the second human host. Killing mosquitoes eliminates the intermediate host in the infection cycle. This page shows the complete life cycle of the Plasmodium. Phylum Chlorophyta Members of phylum Chlorophyta are often referred to as "freshwater" algae. This web page shows several pictures of Chlorophyta thallus as found in freshwater streams. Thalli are algae colonies that function like a big plant, but there are no distinct parts. A Chlorophyta thallus is nothing more than one big mass of algae. Phylum Chrysophyta Chrysophyta contains the diatoms, whose dead remains make up diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is used in toothpastes and other substances as an abrasive. Diatoms are a unique type of algae, mostly because their cell wall is composed of silicon dioxide, which is the principal component of glass. Dinoflagellates Dinoflagellates belong to phylum Pyrrophyta. The most important thing to remember about the dinoflagellates, however, is that certain species (Gymnodinium brevis , for example) frequently bloom in nutrient-rich waters. Because the species are reddish-brown in color, their bloom tends to turn the sea red in their immediate vicinity. As a result, these blooms are often called "red tide." This page is a picture menagerie of different kinds of dinoflagellates. Phylum Phaeophyta This site is provides great images of different kinds of brown algae as well as information on how and where they live. Phylum Rhodophyta This site is provides great images of different kinds of red algae as well as information on how and where they live. Advanced topics related to Module #3 Cilia and Flagella Page provides an advanced look at structure and function of these two important means of locomotion. Entamoeba coli Entamoeba coli is not the "E. coli" that humans can get from eating raw or undercooked meat and that has been associated with a number of human fatalities in the past few years. The other "E. coli" is a bacterium (prokaryote), Escherichia coli. This site provides images of the different forms of this medically important Sarcodine. Entamoeba histolytica The life cycle of Entamoeba histolytica involves trophozoites (the feeding stage of the parasite) that live in the host's large intestine and cysts that are passed in the host's feces. This site provides microscopic views of the organism as well as links to life cycle pages of the pathogen. Trypanosoma spp The genus Trypanosoma is large and diverse.It includes several species that infect wild and domesticated animals in Africa, particularly hoofed animals, and humans. Most of the African trypanosomes are transmitted by vectors (the one exception is a sexually transmitted disease of horses), and the most common vector is the tsetse fly (Glossina sp.,) The species that cause human African trypanosomiasis. Balantidium coli Balantidium coli is a parasite of many species of animals, including pigs, rats, guinea pigs, humans, and many other animals. Humans are infected when they ingest cysts via food or water contaminated with fecal material. This site provides microscopic views of the organism as well as links to life cycle pages of the pathogen. Genus Plasmodium The genus Plasmodium is home to one of the most deadly parasites known to man. These parasites cause malaria, a disease that has claimed countless lives over the years. This page provides information on malaria and the life cycle of the organism. Toxoplasma gondii Toxoplasmosis is a disease which causes severe birth defects in the babies of pregnant women. These organisms live in the intestines of cats and reproduce there sexually. The organism is spread through houseflies, cockroaches, insects, and direct contact with the cat feces, which is why doctors tell pregnant women that they should never clean a cat box or touch cat feces.

Links for Module #4

Interesting links related to Module #4 BioArt -- Basidiomycetes Wonderful photography of different fungi found in phylum Basidiomycota. Basidiomycetes: Subdivision Basidiomycotina - The Club Fungi Very interesting summary page about this phylum. Contains evolutionary content in supporting links. BioArt -- Ascomycetes Wonderful photography of different fungi found in phylum Ascomycota. Fungi Perfecti LLC Wonderful mushroom resource page which includes images, links, and recipes. Numerous mushroom related articles are linked to this page. Bird's Nest Fungi Bird's Nest Fungi are cup-shaped, and contain a number of small, hard, lentil-shaped 'eggs' neatly arranged within. The nests are the fruiting bodies of the fungus, and the 'eggs' are enclosures which contain the basidia and the basidiospores. The 'eggs', several per nest, are attached to the inside of the cup by means of a slender connection called a funiculus. When wet, this thread lengthens greatly and may even reach, when stretched, 6 to 8 inches. When wet, the funiculus is also VERY sticky. The nest is perfectly designed to catch raindrops and send them to the 'eggs'. In a heavy rain, the raindrops actually cause the 'eggs' to fly from the cup. When that happens, the funiculus separates from the nest and flies with the egg. The egg, with its funiculus attached, flies through the air, and the funiculus sticks to anything it touches. The egg then hangs there, waiting to burst. This page provides a fantastic picture of tis amazing member of kingdom Fungi. The Wonderful World of Yeast Site is an interactive look at yeast. Multiple links want the student through yeast classification, metabolism, cell division, and budding. Budweiser Brewery Tour Must be 21 to enter this site. Online tour of the distillation process involved with making beer. Ergot of Rye Wonderful information on this site regarding this deadly fungus. Great pictures of what happens to the rye grains as a result of the infection. Dutch Elm Disease Dutch Elm disease is a lethal fungus that grows in the water conducting vessels (Xylem) of American, Red, English and other varieties of elms. This page contains a description of the disease and provides information on Dutch Elm diagnosis and management. Penicillium mold Egyptians in 3,000 BC were the first to use this kind of antibiotic. The great Egyptian healer Imhotep noticed that a cut covered with moldy bread healed faster than a cut treated in other ways. We now know that is due to the antibiotic nature of the bread mold Penicillium. Antibiotic Sensitivity Different bacteria are sensitive to different antibiotics. This page details the process the medical lab goes through to find out if an antibiotic is working. Bio Art - Myxomycetes Wonderful photography of different fungi found in phylum Myxomycota. Fungi of the Eastern Deciduous Forest Lots of cool pictures and information on the various fungi and phyla. Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms Ever wondered how to tell the difference? Here is a great page to help. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #4 Fungi Characteristics All fungi are all heterotrophic, digest their food outside of the body, and produce spores as one means of reproduction. This page details the characteristics and compares the differences between the major Fungi phyla. Contains some evolutionary content. Fungi Classification Page provides an in depth look at kingdom Fungi through multiple links. Contains some evolutionary content. Hyphae and Stuff Hyphae are filaments of cells that make up a mycelium. This page has a wonderful dark field microscope image of hyphae. The discussion portion of the page provides information and links to further topics related to Fungi structure and physiology. Provides comparison images detailing the differences between septate and non-septate hyphae. Haustoria A haustorium is specifically designed to invade a living cell and start absorbing nutrients. The fungus that use haustoria are parasitic. This page provides color images of this structural element. Sporangiophores, conidiophores, and fruiting bodies Both sporangiophore and a fruiting body produce spores. However, sporangiophores (and conidiophores) produce ASEXUAL spores, and fruiting bodies produce SEXUAL spores. This page contrasts and compares these different reproductive structures. Contains evolutionary content. Basidiomycota Mushrooms belong to phylum Basidiomycota because they form spores on club-shaped cells called BASIDIA. This page provides a great animation of how these are formed and a cartoon that shows the difference between phyla Basidomycota and Ascomycota reproduction. Basidiomycetes The Basidiomycota fungi constitute the most conspicuous group of fungi in the environment and include mushrooms, puffballs, and bracket fungi). This page gives some wonderful pictures and links to other information on the group. Basidiomycetes - Phylum Basidiomycota Web site provides an outline summary page of the characteristics of this phylum. Ascomycetes - Phylum Ascomycota Web site provides an outline summary page of the characteristics of this phylum. Excellent review page. Lichen Biology A lichen is symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. A soredium is a lichen spore that contains both the spores of the fungus and the algae. Both organisms must work together to live and they reproduce as a unit. This page provides some awesome photographic images of this interesting example of mutualism. Mycorrhizae- mutualistic plant-fungi symbioses In this relationship, the root provides food for the parasitic fungus. The fungus provided minerals that the plant can use as vitamins. (In fact, if minerals are plentiful, the fungus will actually store them for later use by the plant!) This site provides terrific images of this amazing relationship. Advanced topics related to Module #4 Chemical that provides both toughness and flexibility. Web site details the structure of chitin and explains its uses by arthropods and fungi. The Fifth Kingdom Is a college-level, online textbook devoted to understanding Kingdom Eumycota. There are full chapter discussions and great microscopic images regarding the six Kingdom Fungi phyla on this site. Contains evolutionary content. Smuts and Rusts Site is forth-nine slide Power Point presentation regarding the members of class Teliomycetes, the smuts and rusts. Cellular Metabolism and Fermentation Fermentation is the anaerobic breakdown of sugars into alcohol, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid. This site provides a detailed look at the process and has great graphics which aid student understanding of the mechanisms involved. Contains evolutionary content. Phyla Chytridiomycota (Kingdom Fungi) and Oomycota (Kingdom Protista) Page is a pictorial essay on these two phyla. Note: These two phyla were once classified together as two classes under the phylum Mastigomycota. Mycology Lecture Notes Web site is a college professor's lecture outline covering mycology. Has some great images from a fungi reproduction lab.

Links for Module #5

Interesting links related to Module #5 Niels Bohr Biographical page taken from Nobelprize.org. Matter Web site is a simple look at matter, its phases, and mixtures. Well worth the review. Interactive Periodic Chart This page allows the student to see the organization of the elements in chart form. The site functions as an encyclopedia of the elements. Each atomic symbol is clickable, which gives the student a reference page on the element of study. Osmosis Tutorial site on osmosis. Has some wonderful pictures of cells exposed to hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions at the bottom of the page. Molecular Expressions Photo gallery of electron microscope pictures of the structure of DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Common Molecules Interactive page which allows you to click on different categories of molecules and view their structure. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #5 What is matter? Matter is everywhere. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Everyone is made up of matter that is constantly experiencing both chemical and physical changes. This site is an interactive discussion of these topics. Detailed are additional labs not found in your text which are suitable for science fair projects. Atomic Structure Atoms are made up of 3 types of particles electrons, protons and neutrons. These particles have different properties. Electrons are tiny, very light particles that have a negative electrical charge (-). Protons are much larger and heavier than electrons and have the opposite charge, protons have a positive charge (+). Neutrons are large and heavy like protons, however neutrons have no electrical charge. Each atom is made up of a combination of these particles. This page explains the Bohr model of the hydrogen and helium atoms. Also provided is a discussion of ions and isotopes. Biologically Important Elements Reference pages for the six biologically important elements follow: Carbon: http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/C/key.html Hydrogen: http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/H/key.html Oxygen: http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/O/key.html Nitrogen: http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/N/key.html Phosphorus: http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/P/key.html Sulfur: http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/S/key.html The Water Molecule Life as we know it on planet Earth would cease if not for this important molecule. This page details some of the interesting properties of the water molecule. Principles of Diffusion and Osmosis Site is an interactive tutorial on diffusion and osmosis. If you are struggling with these concepts, this site will help clear up the mud. Osmosis Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Cell membranes are completely permeable to water; therefore, the environment the cell is exposed to can have a dramatic effect on the cell. This site shows what happens to a cell in hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic solutions. Photosynthesis Site is a college-level discussion of photosynthesis, leaves and leaf structure, the nature of light, and chlorophyll and accessory pigments. This site will be revisited during Module 15. Site contains evolutionary content. Carbohydrate Structure A carbohydrate is an organic compound that is composed of atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a ratio of 1 carbon atom, 2 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom. Some carbohydrates are relatively small molecules. The most important to life on earth is glucose, which has 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. This page details the structure of this and other important carbohydrate molecules. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are naturally occurring polyhydroxyaldehydes or polyhydroxyketones, or they are compounds that react with water to give these compounds. They include sugars, starches, cellulose, and similar substances. This page provides great graphics into the different types and structures of these biologically important molecules. pH Scale Illustrated site which contains a discussion of pH and relative acidity and alkalinity. Lipids Lipids are largely hydrocarbon like, and therefore do not dissolve in water. Lipids are nonpolar and dissolve in nonpolar solvents like diethyl ether and benzene. The lipid family is very large and diverse. It includes cholesterol, hormones, and the edible fats and oils we eat. They are also a structural component found in the cell's plasma membrane. Proteins The proteins are a huge family that make up about half the human body's dry weight. They are found everywhere in all living organisms. They can function as a building material, in teeth and bones and muscles, and they can serve as enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters.Proteins consist of macromolecules called polypeptides, made from monomers called amino acids. Most proteins also include traces of other organic molecules or metal ions, which give it its characteristic biological function. This page provides the student with an in depth look at how amino acids are formed and proteins are structured. Nucleic Acids Both DNA and RNA have a similar structure. They consist of a chain of deoxyribose or ribose sugars linked by phosphate groups with side chain bases. This site provides some wonderful structural information on DNA and RNA. Advanced topics related to Module #5 An Introduction to the Electronic Structure of Atoms and Molecules Want more on chemical structure? Can't wait until chemistry class? This site will blow you away. It provides an in depth, college-level look at atomic structure. Understanding Chemistry Great site with multiple helps regarding chemistry and atomic structure. Energy Flow in Ecosystems Site is a 34 illustrated, Power Point, slide presentation on energy flow within living systems. Great discussion on catalysts near the end of the presentation. Physiology Web Site provides an advanced look at osmosis and diffusion from the University of Vermont page has some Java animations that clearly show how osmosis and diffusion work. Hyperphysics lab - Diffusion and Osmosis Advanced lab on diffusion and osmosis including information on how diffusion rates and osmotic pressures are calculated and membrane transport of gases occurs. Photosynthesis This wonderful, interactive site provides the student with an in depth look at photosynthesis and the reactions involved. Tremendously interesting. You will never consider plants "simple" forms again after viewing this series of pages. Lock and Key Theory Web site from the Virtual Chembook. Site provides great graphics regarding the lock and key theory of enzyme activity. DNA Have you even wanted to build a DNA molecule? This awesome, interactive site provides the student with an in depth look at DNA structure. The site allows the student to begin with the basic structural elements and, by clicking on arrows, piece the DNA molecule together. Tremendously interesting and entertaining site.

Links for Module #6

Interesting links related to Module #6 Rabies Encephalitis The drawings in the text are idealized drawing of a cell. These do not do justice to the incredible cell because they are WAY TOO SIMPLE. First, the cell is three-dimensional, as are the organelles. Two-dimensional drawing just makes the discussion simpler, but really do not detail the complexity. Second, aside from the nucleus and centrioles, there are often SEVERAL of each organelle in the real three-dimensional cell. This web site allows the student to look inside a real cell under high magnification so that the complex structure of the cell can be seen. The Cell Great little summary page on cell anatomy and physiology. Site contains multiple links to other topics related to cells. Great page for students who wants more information on how a cell work. Contains evolutionary content. 16th International Congress of Cytology Wonderful site which provides insight into what the field of cytology studies. The 16th International Congress of Cytology is scheduled for 2007 in Vancouver, Canada. Cellulose Extremely interesting site which shows the structure of cellulose as it appears in plant cell walls. Cytoplasmic Streaming Video Site is a video demonstrating cytoplasmic streaming under high magnification. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #6 There are 11 basic functions that a cell must perform to be alive: absorption, excretion, irritability, digestion, egestion, homeostasis, respiration, secretion, reproduction, biosynthesis, and movement. The following web pages and information help the student visualize these concepts: Functional Anatomy of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands The parathyroid glands produce a hormone called PTH, which regulates calcium levels in your blood. When your calcium levels are low, the parathyroid cells produce PTH and put it into your bloodstream. This encourages bone-destroying cells to dissolve bone tissue, which increases your blood calcium level. Excluding homeostasis, the parathyroid gland cells must perform three basic functions to make this happen: (1) they must make PTH, which is biosynthesis; (2) they must move it to the plasma membrane, which is movement; and (3) they must expel it, and since the chemical is being used by other cells, this is secretion. The bone-destroying cells must also be irritable to PTH in this situation. Cellular Respiration and Fermentation A cell takes in a polysaccharide, breaks it down, and burns it for energy. To do so, it must perform four basic functions. Excluding homeostasis, these functions include: (1) the cell takes in the polysaccharide, which is absorption; (2) the cell moves it to where it can be broken down, which is movement; (3) the cell breaks it down, which is digestion; and (4) the cell converts it to energy, which is respiration. When the cell has finished respiration, it must eliminate the water and carbon dioxide produced. Both of these substances are soluble in cell fluids. The cell must (1) move the water and carbon dioxide to the plasma membrane and (2) it must expel them. Since the water and carbon dioxide are soluble substances, excretion (the elimination of soluble materials from the cell) takes place. If the water and carbon dioxide were not soluble in cellular fluids, then egestion would take place. Egestio is the elimination of non-soluble substances from the cell. This web page outlines these important processes. Contains evolutionary content. Animal Cell Mitosis When a person scratches an itch, they destroy skin cells. The skin cells must be constantly making new cells to replace those which are destroyed. When the skin replaces dead or damaged cells, it performs reproduction. This web site has a wonderful animation of the processes involved. Animal Organ Systems and Homeostasis Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment. This awesome page details just how the cell does this. Animal Cell Structure Animal cells are typical of the eukaryotic cell, enclosed by a plasma membrane and containing a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles. Unlike the eukaryotic cells of plants and fungi, animal cells do not have a cell wall. This web page provides an outstand overview of cell structure and links to detailed discussions of the various organelles and their functions. Contains evolutionary content. Plant Cell Structure The basic plant cell has a similar construction to the animal cell, but does not have centrioles, lysosomes, cilia, or flagella. It does have additional structures, including a rigid cell wall, central vacuole, plasmodesmata, and chloroplasts. This little site provides an insightful look at the contrasts between plant and animal cell structure. Contains evolutionary content. Similarities Between Plant and Animal Cells Great summary page regarding the differences between the various cell types. Lipids: Fats, Oils, Waxes, etc. A plasma membrane is usually constructed of proteins, cholesterol, and phospholipids. A phospholipid is a lipid in which one of the fatty acid molecules has been replaced by a phosphate molecule. This web site provides a detailed look at this important structural component. Cytoplasmic Streaming Video Quick-time video movie of cytoplasmic streaming is presented on the site. Active and Passive Transport In passive transport, substances move according to the dictates of osmosis or diffusion. In active transport, substances travel OPPOSITE those dictates. Passive transport costs NO ENERGY. Active transport requires the cell to expend energy. This page helps the students see the different processes involved. Transport Across Cell Membranes In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is essentially the same as what is inside the cell. Thus, water will aimlessly wander back and forth across the plasma membrane, resulting in no net change in the amount of water inside or outside the cell. This is DIFFUSION. In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes is GREATER than that inside the cell. As a result, OSMOSIS will demand that water travel OUT of the cell. This will eventually implode the cell, killing it. When a cell is killed this way, it is called PLASMOLYSIS. In a hypotonic solution, the concentration of solutes inside the cell is HIGHER than that outside. As a result, OSMOSIS will dictate that water move inside the cell. Without a mechanism to fight this, the cell will continue to absorb water until it ruptures. This is called cytolysis. This great little site discusses these solutions and the dynamics of the cell membrane. Plasmolysis (Experiment 6.2) If you are having trouble seeing plasmolysis in Experiment 6.2, this website might help. Advanced topics related to Module #6 Bacteria Cell Structure Bacteria are prokaryotic, lacking well-defined nuclei and membrane-bound organelles, and with chromosomes composed of a single, closed DNA circle. They come in many shapes and sizes, from minute spheres, cylinders and spiral threads, to flagellated rods, and filamentous chains. They are found practically everywhere on Earth and live in some of the most unusual and seemingly inhospitable places. This page provides a fantastic comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure. Contains evolutionary content. Virus Structure Viruses are not plants, animals, or bacteria, but they are the quintessential parasites of the living kingdoms. Although they may seem like living organisms because of their prodigious reproductive abilities, viruses are not living organisms in the strict sense of the word. This page provides the student with detailed information on the differences between viral, bacterial, plant, and animal cells.Contains evolutionary content. Glycolysis The first step of cellular respiration is called glycolysis. It requires energy to get going but more energy is released than the energy required to get it started. Thus, this step makes energy.This web page is an animation of the complete process. Krebs Cycle (also called the Citric Acid Cycle) In the next step of cellular respiration, the pyruvic acid produced in glycolysis is broken down and energy is released. The pyruvic acid is reacted with oxygen to make carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This college-level web page depicts the steps in this process. Electron Transport System The hydrogen produced in Krebs Cycle is used to fuel a series of reactions which converts ADP into ATP. This college-level site is animation of the processes involved. ATP and Biological Energy Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the energy currency or coin of the cell. ATP transfers energy from chemical bonds to energy absorbing reactions within the cell. Structurally, ATP consists of the adenine nucleotide (ribose sugar, adenine base, and phosphate group, PO4-2) plus two other phosphate groups. This awesome site provides the student with an in depth look at ATP and ADP.

Links for Module #7

Interesting links related to Module #7 Mitosis This site provides an animation of mitosis. It allows the student to download the animation so that it can be viewed.Contains evolutionary content. Preparing a Karyotype Wondering how scientists construct the karyotypes mentioned in your book? This page gives you procedure. Mitosis versus Meiosis I Site provides a side by side animation of the two reproductive processes. There is also a link to a chart which shows a side-by-side comparison of mitosis and meiosis. Contains evolutionary content. Meiosis II This web page contains a great animation of the second part of the gamete formation process. Issues in Immunizations Site provides an interesting and informative look at pro-vaccination information from a scientific study point of view. The Importance of Twin Studies This article discusses what is and is not passed on by the genetic code. This site discusses homosexuality and the non-genetic basis for the tendency. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #7 Protein Synthesis Provides a two paragraph summary of protein synthesis and an outstanding graphic of the overall process. Gene Expression: Transcription This web page provides an in depth look at transcription.Site contains multiple links to help the student explore the process. Comprehensive in scope with wonderful graphics. Gene Translation: RNA -> Protein Awesome page. This site provides the student with a summary page of the translation process. Well worth the stop if you want more. Chromosomes A detailed investigation of chromosomes and their structure. Mitosis Wonderful graphic on this site which details the mitosis process. There is also a summary of the stages in the process.S ome of the supporting pages contain evolutionary content. Meiosis Again, an awesome summary and great graphic of meiosis is available on this site. Very well done, but the site talks about cloning on some of the linked pages. Virus Structure Viruses are not plants, animals, or bacteria, but they are the quintessential parasites of the living kingdoms. Although they may seem like living organisms because of their prodigious reproductive abilities, viruses are not living organisms in the strict sense of the word. This page provides the student with detailed information on the differences between viral, bacterial, plant, and animal cells. Contains evolutionary content. Examples of Viral Replication Pathways Great site with simple illustrations which explain the process. Advanced topics related to Module #7 DNA Replication 1 This site explains how DNA is copied to begin cellular reproduction. DNA Replication 2 This is another site that explains DNA replication. DNA Replication Animation An animation of the DNA replication process. RNA Ribonucleic Acid - A More Detailed Description Great web site which provides the student with the structural differences between RNA and DNA. The Genetic Code Summary site which provides the student with a college-level discussion of transcription and translation. Includes a very interesting chart which givens the possible codons and the amino acids for which they code. Cell Reproduction This site provided an advanced look at the topic of cell reproduction. Great pictures and graphics here to help students understand.Contains evolutionary content. B Cells and T Cells Awesome site which discusses the anatomical and physiological aspects of immunity. Site provides a college-level discussion of cell mediated immunity and the immune system with multiple linked pages. If you have any questions about what happens in the body post-vaccination, you will find the answers here.Contains evolutionary content. Vaccines This is a site by one of the authors that discusses the medical data showing the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

Links for Module #8

Interesting links related to Module #8 Virtual Fruit Fly Lab In this virtual lab, you can "order" fruit flies with many different traits, then you can "mate" them, and then you can analyze the offspring to see what happens. The results are realistic. Gregor Mendel The life of Gregor Mendel has two important lessons for us. First, even though he loved science, when he thought that his church was threatened, he gave up science to battle for the church. That demonstrates a scientist with the RIGHT priorities! Second, he was considered a failure most of his life. However, the science he discovered is the basis for almost all research in genetics today. Thus, even if the world considers a person a failure, do not pay attention! Do what God has placed in your heart, and you will achieve the RIGHT kind of greatness! This web site provides details of Mendel's life and times. Mendel Museum The exhibition "Gregor Mendel" is based on "The Genius of Genetics, a celebration of Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) through science and art". It aims to unravel the "little trick" and "long story" of Mendel's discovery. If you are a history buff this site is worth the visit. Contains evolutionary content. Cloning, The Movie Wonderful free little vignette on cloning on a subscription site. Contains evolutionary content. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #8 Pea Soup - The Story of Mendel This web site is wonderful. It provides Mendel's biography, a summary of his discoveries, and interactive pea experiment, bibliography of other works, and a glossary of genetic terms. Contains evolutionary content. Mendel: Experiment 1 This page illustrates Mendel's "Experiment 1" using smooth and wrinkled peas. In his first experiment, Mendel demonstrated the concept of heredity in the mating of pea plants. Mendel suspected that heredity depended on contributions from both parents and that specific characteristics from each parent were passed on, rather than being blended together in the offspring. This web site uses an outstanding graphic to helps the student understand this concept. The Punnett Square Practice Page On this page is a set of "typical" genetics questions that are best answered using a Punnett square. Pencil and paper are used to work out the problems, then the student clicks to see an explained solution to each problem. Recessive and Dominant Inheritance Outstanding simplified discussion of the concepts of recessive and dominant traits. Graphic on this page really helps the student follow the concepts.Contains evolutionary content. Genotype and phenotype Great page which summarizes and explains the differences between genotype and phenotype. Mendel's Genetic Laws Want to review Module 8? This page provides questions and answers as well as great graphics for all the concepts taught. Genetics Excellent summary of all the concepts in this Module but is loaded with evolution ideas and concepts. Has a great discussion of pedigrees. Punnett Square Diagram of a Dihybrid Cross This page works through a dihybrid cross automatically while the student watches. Gives the genotype and phenotype ratios at the end. Sex-Linked Inheritance: Drosophila This page uses drawings of chromosomes instead of X's and Y's to show the concept. X-linked Inheritance: Hemophilia Page uses drawings of chromosomes instead of X's and Y's to show the concept. Great pre-lab for Experiment 8.3 ABO Blood Types All humans and many other primates can be typed for the ABO blood group. There are four types: A, B, AB, and O. There are two antigens and two antibodies that are mostly responsible for the ABO types. The specific combination of these four components determines an individual's type in most cases. This page summarizes the ABO blood type concepts presented in Module 8. What are Genetic Disorders? Genetic disorders are medical conditions caused by mutations in a gene or a set of genes. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of a gene. They can happen at any time, from when we are a single cell to when we are 90. This page helps the student understand the various classifications of genetic disorders. Pictures of individuals with genetic disorders can the found at http://medgen.genetics.utah.edu/thumbnails.htm Study Guide and Review of the Fundamentals of Genetics Think you have Module 8 down cold? Here is a practice Test for you to take. Contains evolutionary content. v Advanced topics related to Module #8 Genetics of Eye Color This website discusses the current view of the genetics of eye color. There is a link to a calculator that tries to predict eye color, and there is also a link to all of the possible genotypes given a specific eye color. Mendel's Paper in English Translated version of Mendel's actual research work.This paper is worth the read if you are planning on going to college. Gene - A More Detailed Description Page provides a great graphic of the components of a gene. The Human Genome Project This is a detailed look at the project that has mapped the human genetic code. There is some evolutionary content. Intermediate Genetics This website has a lot more information on genetics than the course. If you want to go through the website, you need to do the topics in order. Some of the first two links will be review, but you need to have them to acquaint yourself with this author's style of writing and vocabulary usage. There is evolutionary content here. The Human Genome Project This is a detailed look at the project that has mapped the human genetic code. There is some evolutionary content.

Links for Module #9

Interesting links related to Module #9 Charles Darwin British Naturalist (1809 -1882) Darwin's biography page.Site contains links to other materials about Darwin's work. The Young Earth Creation Club Want information on young earth views? Here is a great page for the student that wants to look at scientists who believe it and evidence for it. Microevolution and Macroevolution Microevolution is the process that is responsible for the many variations of some species of living things, such as dogs and finches. Macroevolution is the mythical process by which one kind of creature, such as a reptile, turns into another kind, such as a bird. This great little article presents a logical comparison of the two ideas. Access Research Network This is the website of the "Intelligent Design" movement. It has several excellent articles on the design that you see in nature as evidence against evolution. Answers in Genesis This is the largest young-earth creationist organization in the world. Every link on this page sends you to several articles on the subject. You could spend days and days on this site. Paleontology Many people think paleontology is the study of fossils. In fact, paleontology is much more. Paleontology incorporates many different kinds of data from different fields. This site provides links to three different areas to explore regarding paleontology. Heavy evolutionary content. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #9 The Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection Online text of Darwin's book. Students can read what Darwin really said. For example, Darwin never used the idea of mutations in his work. Darwin knew nothing of mutations or genetics. In Darwin's time, scientists had no idea how traits were passed from parents to children. He simply saw that offspring would often have slightly different traits than the parents. If these traits were "piled up" over several generations, eventually the offspring would look nothing like the original ancestor. Thomas Malthus (1766-1834) Malthus gave Darwin the idea of 'survival of the fittest,' which led Darwin to come up with natural selection. Malthus said that life is a constant struggle for food, shelter, and a mate. The strongest will survive. Darwin said that, much like a racing dog breeder will throw away the slow dogs and continually breed the fast dogs, nature will "throw away" the weak because they will not be able to win the struggle. Thus, only the fittest will survive. Sir Charles Lyell (1797 - 1875) Lyell introduced Darwin to the idea that "the present is the key to the past." Darwin saw variations between parents and offspring. This present phenomenon, if given enough time, could "pile up" differences between offspring and ancestor. This could show how all species developed in the past. Lyell's ideas gave the first strong arguments for an earth that was millions of years old. Darwin knew that such time spans would be the key to taking the small variations we see today and ending up with all of the different species that exist in the world. Geologic eons, eras and periods According to Lyell, water covered different areas of the earth during different periods. The slow accumulation of sediments at the bottom of the lake, river, or ocean that covered the area over millions of years led to each layer of the earth's geology. The waters then receded and the sediments formed rock. Then, the whole process repeated itself again and again. In general, the deeper strata contain "simpler" life forms. This is evidence for evolution, if you believe that the strata are formed according to Lyell's ideas. This web page gives the relative dates of formation according to Old Earth point of view. There are three points to be made about this view: a. There is no place in the world that you can find a geological column. It is a theoretical construct based on strata from all over the world. b. The geological column is 95% clams. Thus, this is really only a subset of the fossils in the geological column. c. There are many fossils that are "out of place" according to the geological column. John Woodmorape, in his book STUDIES IN FLOOD GEOLOGY, documents 200 published reports of misplaced fossils. Also, probably the most damaging fossil discoveries to the geological column relate to the CAMBRIAN EXPLOSION. A Book Review Although this article is just a book review, the figures in it show perfectly the predictions of Darwinian evolution, immutability of species, and the creationist view. The fossil record looks like the creationist view. Punctuated Equilibruim How do evolutionists explain the difference between evolution and the geologic record? Evolutionists now believe in punctuated equilibrium. The main point of punctuated equilibrium is that changes occur quickly through a rapid series of mutations. However, this does not fit with the data. Thus, evolutionists are forced to try and reconcile: The Geological Column This article discusses in detail how the geological column is actually a construct and does not really exist anywhere on earth. Advanced topics related to Module #9 The Voyage of the Beagle Darwin's personal journal of the voyage is detailed in this twenty-one chapter work. Darwin did more than explore the Galapagos Islands. The complete voyage as well as a sketch of Darwin' observations in Natural History and Geology are presented. Fossils Questions and Answers What about Archaeoraptor and Archaeopteryx, which some evolutionists claim are 'missing links' between dinosaurs and birds? What about dinosaurs? When did they live and how did they die, and did they evolve into birds? This page provides some great links and explanations to these questions. Well worth the read. Evolution vs. Creation Excellent contrast and comparison essay on the differences between Evolution and Creation ideas. Wonderful and logical analysis is presented. Australopithecus afarensis Details the discovery of Lucy's bones. Structural Homology College-level, Power Point, lecture presentation on structural homology. Graphic version provides detailed views of protein composition. Cytochrome C Cellular respiration is the process of oxidizing food molecules, like glucose, to carbon dioxide and water. The energy released is trapped in the form of ATP for use by all the energy-consuming activities of the cell. Cytochrome C is an important molecule in the process. This page provides information on its important to cellular metabolism.

Links for Module #10

Interesting links related to Module #10 Rabbits Introduction of a species in an ecosystem not designed for that species can have disastrous consequences. Remember the story of the rabbit in Australia. Because that ecosystem produced no predators, rabbits spread like wildfire, nearly overwhelming the continent! The only thing that stopped them was a virus introduced by humans for the expressed purpose of killing rabbits. In order to catch the virus, a rabbit must be bitten by a mosquito that has already bitten an infected rabbit. As the population of rabbits dwindles, the chance of a mosquito biting an infected rabbit is low. The chance of it then going and biting another rabbit is even lower. Thus, there will always be some rabbits in Australia, because the spread of the virus goes down as the population goes down. The virus makes certain that the population does not get too large, however. This web page details the current state of the Australian rabbit problem. The Center for Ecosystem Survival Wonderful web site with many teaching tools and discussions of ecosystems around the world. Contains evolutionary content. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #10 Food Chains A great review page covering food chains, food webs, and biomass. Wonderful graphics on this site. Mutualism Examples. Trichonympha in termites The Trichonympha digest cellulose, which makes it possible for the termites to eat wood. The termite provides food and shelter for the Trichonympha. Lichen The fungus supports and protects the algae, and the algae provide food for the fungus. The clownfish and the sea anemone The sea anemone protects the clownfish and the clownfish attracts food to the sea anemone. The blind shrimp and the goby They goby watch out for predators that the blind shrimp cannot see, and the shrimp makes a home for the goby. The oriental sweet lips and the blue streak wrasse The blue streak wrasse cleans the sweet lips' teeth, and the sweet lips provides food for the blue-streak wrasse. Discover the Olympic National Park Site is an interactive tour of the Olympic National Park ecosystem. There is an animated discussion of the water, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen cycles within the park environment. Contains evolution contain. The Water Cycle Precipitation, evaporation, and transpiration are all terms that sound familiar, yet may not mean much to you. They are all part of the water cycle, a complex process that not only gives us water to drink, fish to eat, but also weather patterns that help grow our crops. This site provides a great overview of water cycle concepts. Watershed Management Council Everything you wanted to know about watersheds is included on this page. Has wonderful helps for teachers and students. Ozone Formation Site provides excellent information regarding ozone in the environment. If your student is wondering what ozone is, how it forms, and why it is important, this page will provide the answers. Global Warming Debate over global warming is the best example of how theory is allowed to trump data if that theory is useful to a loud special-interest group. The theory of global warming seems sound: We know that carbon dioxide is increasing in the atmosphere, and we know that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Thus, the theory that too much carbon dioxide will result in too much warmth seems reasonable. This theory has led to computer calculations which show drastic scenarios. Some computer model calculations indicate that if the present rates of carbon dioxide increase continue, the earth will warm by as much as 3 degrees Celsius in the next 40 years. That would, indeed, be disastrous. The problem is, however, that the data just don't show that. This web page shows the data as it relates to global warming. Advanced topics related to Module #10 Environmental Biology - Ecosystems An advanced look at ecosystem is presented. This page is done at the freshman in college reading level. Ecosystem Valuation Site is designed as an introduction to the economics of ecosystems and stresses their importance to the environment. Site has a very good glossary of ecosystem terms. Ecology.com Want to see what the environmental lobby is up to? This site is devoted to discussion of ecology issues from an environmentalist point of view. Contains evolution content. Ecology WWW page Master list of sites devoted to ecology issues. If you need information or articles on ecology, this page has everything in alphabetical index. Introduction to the Greening Theory The amount of carbon dioxide in the air is increasing. This means that the food available to the earth's plants is increasing. What happens when food increases? It usually means that things grow more and that more things grow. With animals it is typical for populations to increase when food increases. Plants can also adapt to improved conditions by growing larger, faster and more robustly. This site discusses the theory and the effect on global population should carbon dioxide levels be decreased.

Links for Module #11

Interesting links related to Module #11 Monterey Bay Aquarium Virtual tour of the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium.Site includes live-feed camera images and video of the creatures studied in Module 11. Contains evolutionary content. Brain coral Great image of this fascinating coral colony. Picture is worth the peek. Midwater Medusae Great set of lighted pictures of jellyfish.This site really helps the student appreciate the beauty of this group of organisms. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #11 Taxonomy Project Excellent web site which summarizes the phyla studied in this module. Contains evolutionary content. Vertebrates and Invertebrates Site provides the student with multiple links to different sites regarding animal classification and characteristics. Contains evolutionary content. Phylum Porifera Sponges are a diverse group of sometimes common types, with about 5000 species known across the world. Sponges are primarily marine, but around 150 species live in fresh water. Sponges have cellular-level organization, meaning that that their cells are specialized so that different cells perform different functions, but similar cells are not organized into tissues and bodies are a sort of loose aggregation of different kinds of cells. This awesome web page from Animal Diversity Web provides a detailed look at the phylum and its organisms. Spicules and spongin Sponges are supported by either spicules or spongin. This page shows the composition of and explains the function of spicules and spongin. Microscopic View of a Poriferan Cell Wall A sponge is typically separated into three layers: the outer layer is the epidermis, the inner layer is the inner cells, and the mesenchyme in between these two layers. Amebocytes are cells that take care of digestion and exchange gases with the tissue and the surroundings. They travel freely through the mesenchyme and transport nutrients and gases from place to place. This page shows the interplay between the layers and amebocytes. Phylum Cnidaria The Phylum Cnidaria includes such diverse forms as jellyfish, hydra, sea anemones, and corals. This wonderful web page from Animal Diversity Web provides a detailed look at the phylum and its organisms. Contains evolutionary content. Undischarged nematocyst Graphic shows the undischarged nematocyst of a hydra. Discharged nematocyst Graphic shows a discharged nematocyst of a hydra. Phylum Annelida The annelids include earthworms, polychaete worms, and leeches. All members of the group are to some extent segmented, in other words, made up of segments that are formed by subdivisions that partially transect the body cavity. This wonderful web page from Animal Diversity Web provides a detailed look at the phylum and its organisms. Contains evolutionary content. Earthworm dissection 1 In this earthworm dissection website, click on a the name of the structure to see a picture with that structure pointed out. Earthworm dissection 2 Images on this page are designed to help you review materials you studied in the laboratory. These images can be most useful to you if you try to identify labeled structures before clicking to obtain answers. The Planarian Home Page Summary page about flatworm metabolism and culture requirements. I use the page as a review tool in my classes. Phylum Platyhelminthes Flatworms are unsegmented, bilaterally symmetrical worms that lack a coelom (acoelomate) but that do have three germ layers. Some forms are free living but many are parasitic.Great page for extended learning about this amazing phylum. Contains evolutionary content. Roundworms Superior roundworm information page from a veterinary health web site. Trichinella spiralis Unlike many parasites that demonstrate a high degree of host specificity, Trichinella spiralis, the trichina worm, can be found in many species of carnivores and omnivores. Animals are infected with T. spiralis when they ingest infective larvae (juveniles) in raw or undercooked meat. To completely kill the trichina worm cysts in pork, the meat must be frozen at 5 oF for 21 days or -22 oF for 25 hours. Clearly, such processing was not available to the people of Old Testament times; thus, God decided to protect His people from trichinosis by simply forbidding them to eat pork. Contains evolutionary content. Phylum Mollusca The mollusks are an interesting group. This fantastic web page from Animal Diversity Web provides eleven pages of pictures. Contains evolutionary content. Mollusca This page provides a great list of additional resources for this phylum. Advanced topics related to Module #11 Kingdom Animalia All animals are members of the Kingdom Animalia, also called Metazoa. This Kingdom does not contain the prokaryotes (Kingdom Monera, includes bacteria, blue-green algae) or the protists (Kingdom Protista, includes unicellular eukaryotic organisms). All members of the Animalia are multicellular, and all are heterotrophs (that is, they rely directly or indirectly on other organisms for their nourishment). Most ingest food and digest it in an internal cavity. This site helps the student investigate the Kingdom. Great pictures and sound bites on this site. Contains evolutionary content. Kingdom Animalia: Cnidaria - Radically symmetric animals College-level discussion of the phylum. Has some great links to follow regarding the various organisms. Muscle Earthworms have circular muscles which stretch their bodies. They also have longitudinal muscles which contract their bodies. Human muscle is one of the two excitable tissues of the body. Its major function is to provide movement of the body, and movement of structures within the body. In addition to these activities, muscle also serves some protective functions, particularly in the anterior abdominal wall. This web page helps the student view the structural similarity to earthworm and human muscle tissue. The Classics of Biology: Planaria Should your student want more lab work, here is a great additional lab. This page provides the procedure to observe planarian regeneration. Contains evolutionary content. Live Hydra Should your student want more lab work, here is a source from which you can order live hydra to grow and observe. Live Planaria Should your student want more lab work, here is a source from which you can order live planaria. Live Organisms A source for many different kinds of live organisms. Please note that they use the old name, Coelenterates, when refering to cnidarians.

Links for Module #12

Interesting links related to Module #12 Exoskeleton Great web site which shows man's attempt at copying God's exoskeleton design. The robotic extended walker is a six-legged, pneumatically powered exoskeleton. If your student is interested in robotics, this page will thrill him or her. Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) UC Berkeley researchers attempt at developing a robotic exoskeleton that can enhance human strength and endurance is shown. This one is interesting in that it is a post 9/11 development designed to help firefighters climb stairs. SpringWalker by Applied Motion, Inc. Have you ever wanted to jump like a grasshopper? According to the manufacturer, this personal vehicle designed for the 21st century will have "you trotting four-minute miles without tiring and scrambling up a mountain like an ATV." Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #12 The Exoskeleton An insect's exoskeleton (integument) serves not only as a protective covering over the body, but also as a surface for muscle attachment, a water-tight barrier against desiccation, and a sensory interface with the environment. It is a multi-layered structure with four functional regions: epicuticle, procuticle, epidermis, and basement membrane. This site is college-level look at this amazing structure. Molecular Structure of Chitin Chitin is a white, horny substance found in the outer skeletons of crabs, and lobsters and in the internal structures of other invertebrates. It is a polysaccharide consisting of units N-Acetyl Glucosamine and its highly crystalline structure accounts for its poor solubility. This page will introduce the student to this important biological compound. In a Bug's Eye Page contains colorized, computer-enhanced, electron microscopic views of insects. The compound nature of the insect eye can be plainly seen on these colorized plates. Crayfish are great pets This wonderful little page has some great crayfish facts, pictures, and links. There is even information on the care and feeding of the little buggers. Crayfish Dissection Pictures Click on the name of a structure to see a picture with that structure pointed out. Crayfish dissection tutorial Online tutorial site which allows students to identify anatomy and provides extended learning opportunity regarding the crayfish. If you are wondering what a structure is, this site is a great place to start. Araneae, Spiders of North-West Europe Super page! Well worth the look with multiple links to spider information and facts. Spider Silk Spider silk is an extremely strong material and is on a weight basis stronger than steel. It has been suggested that a pencil thick strand of silk could stop a Boeing 747 in flight. This awesome site explains the process of silk spinning. God's webspinners give chemists free lessons Another article on the wonders of spider silk. The construction of a wheel web How do spiders build a web? It is an engineering marvel. If you can look at this page and still believe that spiders just evolved and learned to spin webs by random chance, I have a bridge and some swamp land to sell you. Lesser Black Bird-Eating Spider Do spiders ever catch anything besides bugs? There is one spider that is large enough to catch small birds. This page has multiple links at the bottom regarding some very unusual spiders. Lungs This page provides an awesome comparison between the different kinds of lungs found in nature. The book lungs found in the spider are discussed near the bottom of the page. Millipedes Millipedes have 4 legs per segment. Millipedes are docile herbivores and decomposers. Millipedes have rounder bodies than centipedes. Millipedes are not poisonous. Centipedes Centipedes have 2. Centipedes are fierce carnivores. Centipedes have flatter bodies than millipedes. Centipedes are generally poisonous. Class Insecta Insects are an interesting group. This fantastic web page from Animal Diversity Web provides 54 pages of pictures and background information that your student should find fascinating.Contains evolutionary content. Tracheal Breathing Insects have an elaborate system of interconnecting tubes called tracheas. These tubes are connected to the outside through a series of small holes in the exoskeleton called spiracles. The network of tracheae is so complex and thorough that air runs throughout the body, providing oxygen to all tissues! Air goes directly to the tissues, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are directly exchanged with the cells. Hemolymph Hemolymph (or haemolymph) is the blood analogue used by all arthropods and most mollusks that have an open circulatory system.This page provides the components of this interesting fluid. Insect Physiology Online Circulation, metabolism, respiration, and excretion - every system that makes an insect a living thing is discussed. Wonderful resource for this Module. Four Phase Insect Life Cycle Great graphic of complete metamorphosis. Be sure to click the back button on this page for more information. Three Phase Insect Life Cycle Great graphic of incomplete metamorphosis. Be sure to click the back button on this page for more information. Order Coleoptera Beetles are an interesting group of insects. This fantastic web page from Animal Diversity Web provides seven pages of pictures and background information that your student should find fascinating. Contains evolutionary content. Order Diptera Another page from Animal Diversity Web. This web page from Animal Diversity Web provides five pages of pictures and background information that your student should find interesting. Contains evolutionary content. Order Hymenoptera Ants, bees, and wasps are includes in this Order. They are an amazing group. This web page from Animal Diversity Web provides five pages of pictures and background information. Contains evolutionary content. Order Lepidoptera The butterflies and moths are found in this Order. Animal Diversity Web provides seventeen pages of pictures and background information that should help your student better understand this order. Contains evolutionary content. Advanced topics related to Module #12 Phylum Arthropoda This site helps the student investigate the Phylum. Great pictures and sound bites on this site. Contains evolutionary content. General Entomology This site is a college level course tutorial designed to inform the students about the anatomy and physiology of insects. It has excellent graphics and explains the structures form and function in detail. Contains evolutionary content. Chitin Chemistry An advanced research web site on chitin and components.

Links for Module #13

Interesting links related to Module #13 Human Anatomy Online Great site to investigate human anatomy and physiology from a systems approach. Great information on the skeletal system on this site. Great White Feeding Frenzy If you have any doubt about the flexibility of a shark's skeleton, this site will convince you that they are very flexible. Oviparous or Viviparous? Great little web site which helps student differentiate between which animals are which. The Fish Classes Site is 33 a slide Power Point overview of the different fish classes done for a college class. Be sure to click on "Graphics Views" to see the frames. Links that contain extra help for the topics in Module #13 Urochordata Members of this subphylum lose their notochords in the adult stage of life. This page helps the student investigate the anatomy of the sea squirt. Contains evolutionary content. Cephalochordata Members of this subphylum keep the notochord throughout life. This page helps the student investigate the anatomy of the lancelet. Contains evolutionary content. Lancelet Great picture of a live lancelet. Adult lancelets reach lengths of about 6 cm (just over 2 inches) or so. Be sure to check out the other creatures shown on this marine biology site. Fresh lancelets are tasty in soup (cook slowly for 30 min; add lots of cayenne pepper, some onion and garlic powder, green onion, Kim chi, ramin noodles, and maybe a few shrimp). Vertebrata The notochords of this subphylum develop into vertebrae. This site provides excellent background information, pictures, and 173 pages of detailed specimen information. Contains evolutionary content. Cartilage and bone This page provides a good microscopic view of spongy and compact bone and different kinds of bone cells. Red Blood Cells Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. This site is a scanning electron micrograph of human red blood cells. Red cells get their red color from iron-rich hemoglobin which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. See animated red cells in capillaries in "OUCH!... Anatomy of a Splinter" found on the site. The Axial and Appendicular Skeleton excluding the skull This site is an online college lab on skeletal structure. Great site for microscope examination of the skeleton and comparative anatomy. The Skeletal System Great overview site of the human skeletal system. Multiple clickable links make this site a valuable resource on anatomy and physiology for the AP biology exam. Blood This site discusses the general components of blood, red blood cells, and the structure of hemoglobin. The Circulatory System Great overview site of the human circulatory system. Multiple clickable links make this site a valuable resource on anatomy and physiology for the AP biology exam. The Human Corpus Callosum This site has some great pictures of the human brain in cross section. There is also an MRI view of the brain inside the skull at the bottom of the page. The Nervous System Great overview site of the human nervous system. Multiple clickable links make this site a valuable resource on anatomy and physiology for the AP biology exam. Great White Anatomy This series of great white sharks really brings home some of the anatomical features of the class. Remora and Shark The remora's relationship with the shark is another example of symbiosis. The remora is a fish that feeds off of the parasites on a shark. Class Actinopterygii Actinopterygians, or 'ray-finned fishes,' are the largest and most successful group of fishes and make up half of all living vertebrates. This site provides excellent background information, 38 pages of pictures, and detailed perch specimen information. Contains evolutionary content. Fish Anatomy Site provides large mouth bass external and internal anatomy. Bass and perch are very similar in structure. This site would be an excellent pre-dissection review. Perch Dissection In this perch dissection website, click on a the name of the structure to see a picture with that structure pointed out. Frog Dissection Pictures Although we will not give you a procedure for dissecting your frog, we will show you some pictures. Click on the name of the structure to see a picture of that structure pointed out. Advanced topics related to Module #13 Phylum Chordata This site helps the student investigate the Phylum. Contains 519 pages of pictures regarding phylum members. Contains evolutionary content. Vertebral Column A web site tutorial on the human backbone. Great site for the AP Biology Exam. Comparative Anatomy - Vertebrae College-level presentation of the different vertebrae types.